Author: News Desk

Bangladesh is set to receive a new shipment of 7,000 tonnes of diesel through the pipeline from India’s Numaligarh refinery. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku told Parliament on Monday that hoarding, rather than a shortage caused by the West Asia crisis, is the main issue. The diesel started flowing through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on Saturday evening and is expected to be fully delivered by Tuesday. Previously, 15,000 tonnes were supplied via the pipeline, following a 5,000-tonne delivery on March 25, to support Bangladesh, which relies heavily on imports from the Gulf. Authorities said the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation is…

Frequent highway commuters will soon have to pay more, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee for the financial year 2026–27. Starting April 1, 2026, the annual pass will cost ₹3,075, up from the current ₹3,000, marking a modest increase of ₹75 (around 2.5%). The FASTag Annual Pass is designed for private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans, allowing users to travel across national highways with a one-time yearly payment instead of paying tolls per trip. The pass typically offers validity for one year or up to 200 toll crossings, whichever comes earlier, making it especially useful…

Indian Railways has announced a major upgrade of facilities at 76 high-traffic stations to ensure smoother travel for passengers, particularly during peak periods such as summer holidays, festivals, and large events like the Maha Kumbh. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined the new measures aimed at making journeys safer and more comfortable. Under the updated rules, passengers on the waitlist will no longer get direct platform access; instead, they will first enter designated waiting areas for regulated entry. Key measures being implemented include: These upgrades are part of Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and efficiently manage heavy…

Ice cream is a beloved treat around the world, and India is no exception. One city in particular stands out for its love of ice cream: Mangaluru, often called the ice cream capital of India. This coastal city in Karnataka, formerly Mangalore, sits between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats and is known for its thriving dairy industry and inventive desserts. Famous brands like Ideal Ice Cream and Hangyo originated here, and the city is home to India’s largest ice cream parlour, seating over 300 people. Mangaluru’s climate, with high humidity, naturally encourages year-round cravings for cold dairy treats. The…

India’s private space ambitions have a new contender from an unexpected city. Bharath Space Vehicle (BSV), a startup founded in 2024 and based in Surat, Gujarat, is working on what could become one of the country’s most credible private rocket programs. The founding team brings more than 70 years of combined experience from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). BSV is developing Agasthya-1, a two-stage expendable rocket powered by LOX/RP-1 (liquid oxygen and kerosene) engines, designed to provide affordable and reliable access to space. Standing 28 meters tall, Agasthya-1 targets the small-satellite market, capable of carrying 500 kg to a Sun-Synchronous…

The Centre has introduced a 60-day emergency measure to allocate additional kerosene under the Public Distribution System (PDS) to states and Union Territories, aiming to ease pressure on LPG supplies. The move comes amid ongoing global energy disruptions, particularly due to tensions in West Asia, which have impacted LPG availability and supply chains in India. Under the plan, kerosene will be distributed to households as an alternative fuel for cooking and lighting, ensuring essential energy access during the crisis period. The government has also relaxed rules to speed up kerosene distribution and expanded allocations across multiple states, including areas previously…

While India is a favorite on many travelers’ lists, the southwestern city of Kochi often gets overlooked. But it shouldn’t—Booking.com has named it one of the top trending destinations for 2026. Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi offers a more relaxed, slower-paced vibe than major Indian cities, while still delivering incredible food, warm hospitality, pleasant weather, and unique shopping experiences. Booking.com calls it “the perfect soulful gateway to southern India’s natural beauty and cultural riches,” easily accessible via Cochin International Airport. Here’s what makes Kochi worth visiting: Chinese Fishing NetsThe iconic fishing nets along Kochi’s coastline and backwaters are one of…

Qatar’s Doha Bank is shutting down its two branches in India after more than ten years of operation, retaining only a representative office in the country as part of a strategic realignment. The move was decided at the bank’s board meeting in Doha and announced on the local stock exchange. In a statement, the bank said, “The board of directors has approved shifting the bank’s business strategy in India from branches to a representative office and will gradually exit branch operations in India, subject to regulatory approvals.” A Doha Bank spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. The bank…

The government has made it mandatory for households with piped natural gas (PNG) connections to give up their subsidized domestic LPG connections. As of March 28, around 6,000 PNG users have already complied. This step is intended to ensure LPG cylinders are available for households without PNG access, especially amid global energy disruptions. Authorities are encouraging more PNG consumers to voluntarily surrender their LPG connections to help those in need. On March 14, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas updated the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, under the Essential Commodities Act. The new rules…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has created a serious situation over the past month, affecting several countries. In his 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, he expressed gratitude to Gulf nations for supporting nearly 10 million Indians living in the region. He acknowledged that these countries have provided essential assistance and facilities to Indian citizens during the crisis. India has consistently raised concerns about the safety of its large diaspora in the Gulf amid the ongoing tensions. “A major conflict has been underway for the past month. I sincerely thank the…